The Start of Fall and Fabulous Bags

Happy Fall, Y'all!!  The official start of fall is finally here and the temps actually cooperated enough for me to wear some layers (and even flannel) to celebrate my favorite season!  With the change of seasons also comes a change in my bags.  My usual summer day bag this straw Tory Burch tote that I've carried every summer for the past several years.  I love it but I'm ready to swap it up once Labor Day rolls around.  I began my fall bag search a month or so ago and I fell in love with Vera Bradley's entire new line of totes, cross body's, satchels, backpacks, shoulder bags and clutches.  They are all so fabulous it was hard to choose which would be my go-to bag for fall.  I was torn between this navy and black bowler satchel and this cheetah calf hair beauty and then I came across this denim and quilted leather satchel and knew it was the one.  Dress it up, dress it down, work day or date night, it's the perfect bag for me!

~ What I'm Wearing ~

Quilted Denim and Leather Satchel: Vera Bradley c/o
Wood Watch: JORD c/o
Bracelets: Stella & Dot (retired) | Similar here and here
Top: Phillip Lim for Target (old) | Similar in solid navy
Plaid Top: Old Navy (last year) | Similar
Skirt: Michael Kors (old) | Similar
Necklace: Stella & Dot (It can be worn more than six ways!)
Sunnies: Vera Bradley c/o
Red Polish: OPI

Do you change out your bag with the season?  Which Vera bag is your favorite?

XO

Elizabeth

Photos by Molly Moon of Hey There Sunshine in beautiful 5pts, Athens!

My Swimsuit Story

Here's a little tidbit about me, I've always been an avid exerciser but I've also always struggled with my weight.  I've been every size from a 00 to a 12.  Seriously.  Many summers I've been in good enough shape to wear bikini while at the beach or pool.  But there have been some years, like after babies and after my daughter's long hospital stay where I lived on cafeteria food and cupcakes, that I've had to switch to a one-piece or tankini to spare everyone from the sight of my, um, not-so-toned midsection.  Last summer I reaped the rewards of a year of really hard work and a strict diet and was able to bring a wardrobe of bikini's with me to the beach.  Well, this summer rolled around and after a long year of a lot of stress, I've gained fifteen pounds and the bikini's were staying home.  It used to be that stress caused me to loose weight but once I reached 40 it has done the opposite.  The over 40 weight struggle is real, friends!  One of my dear friends described trying to keep your weight down after 45 like trying to keep a beach ball under the water.  The minute you force it down it pops right back up again!  Ugh! So I had to go dreaded swimsuit shopping before our family beach vacation.  Fortunately there are a lot of really cute tankini's and one piece swimsuits out there.  There are also cute cover-ups for the beach/pool days you're wanting to just sit under the umbrella and read a good book.

I love mixing patterns, even with my swimsuits!
Striped Halter Tankini Top: Target
Polka-dot Bikini Bottoms: Target
Kimono With Fringe: The Loft Boutique (sold out) Similar
Beach Read: Judy Blume
Sunnies: Quay Australia
Fedora: Target

Scarves make great cover-ups!  I'll do a tutorial soon.
Tankini Top: Victoria's Secret
Bikini Bottoms: Victoria's Secret
Large Scarf: Stella & Dot
Floppy Hat: Natural Paper Company
Sunnies: T.J.Maxx (These are similar and at the top of my wish list!)

I love a white swimsuit, especially after spending a few days in the sun.  I decided the tie-dyed bottoms, instead of white, added some interest.
Tankini Top: Victoria's Secret
Bottoms: T.J.Maxx ~ These were from one of last year's bikini's and still fit so I decided to get a tankini top to go with them.  Here's a similar option.
Flip Flops: Michael Kors
Hat: The Natural Paper Company
Sunnies: Similar
Beach Read: Judy Blume c/o PopSugar Must Have Box

I opted for a new all red tankini because I was hoping for the BayWatch effect ala Pamela Anderson.  It didn't work... ;-)
Tankini Top: Target
Tankini Bottoms: Target
Flip Flops: Michael Kors
Tie-dyed Tunic Top Used as a Cover-up: Entourage
Beach Read: Sophie Kinsella
Sunnies: Quay Australia

What's your swimsuit story?  

XO
Elizabeth

This week I'm linking up with some of my favorite blogs/bloggers.  Links in sidebar.

Styling a Floral Skirt Two Ways

I'm a sucker for all things floral, especially when spring comes calling.  Dressed up or down, nothing says "spring" better than a beautiful floral skirt!

~ Dressed Down ~
Skirt: Chicwish
Denim Shirt: H&M
Booties: ModCloth
Tote: Michael Kors
Necklace: Stella & Dot
Earrings: Stella & Dot

~ Dressed Up ~
Skirt: Chicwish
Top: Mango Mango
Pumps: Saks
Bag (TOP of my wish list!!): Rebecca Minkoff
Necklace: Stella & Dot
Earrings: Stella & Dot

More pretty floral skirt options:

XO Elizabeth

Tulle and Tee's

Tulle skirts are a big trend right now which makes this girly-girl very happy!  You can easily make a tulle skirt more sophisticated and less "little girl" by pairing it with a great statement heel and a fun graphic tee.  Once the weather (finally) turns cooler I'll toss on a denim jacket over the tee to toughen it all up a bit.  What girl, no matter her age, doesn't love the chance to feel like a ballerina for the day?

What I'm Wearing ~
Graphic Tee: Whitney Ellen (Old Navy has several cute graphic tee's right now at crazy good prices!)
Black Tulle Skirt: Chicwish
Leopard Strappy Heels: Steve Madden
Logo Belt: Michael Kors (Similar)
Pink Bag: Kate Spade (This one is super cute!)
Sunnies: Coach

It rained in the middle of our photo shoot and we had to sit in the car and wait it out. #bloggerproblems

What blogger doesn't love a good "#OOTD" tee?

XO
Elizabeth


Photos by the talented Diana Zylow

Linking up with Monday Mingle, Let it Shine, Mix it Monday's, Style Sessions and Trend Spin Linkup

Styling Joggers For Now, Transition and Fall

Earlier this week I shared with you how I styled these joggers for the Girls Day Out event with Star 94 at The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta (if you missed it you can see the post here).  In today's post I'm showing you three ways to style the same joggers ~ for now, for summer to fall transition and for fall/winter.

Striped Tank: Old Navy (on a crazy good sale right now!)
Striped Wedge Sandals: Kate Spade
Leopard Cross-Body (Cross-body bags are perfect for a busy girl on the go!  I love a big bag but cross body's are quickly becoming my go-to bags!): River Island
Striped Camp-Shirt: Calvin Klein
Luxe Joggers: Spend or Save
Pink Cross-Body: Michael Kors
Floral Loafers: ModCloth
Striped Hooded Pullover: Spend or Save
Leopard Wedge Booties (I just ordered these for fall!!): Isaac Mizrahi New York
Red Bag: Isaac Mizrahi New York

(Can you tell besides joggers I'm obsessed with stripes and leopard?!)

If you don't currently own luxe joggers I would highly suggest you get some today!  They will carry you through each season in style and comfort!!

XO
Elizabeth


Linking up with Trend Spin Linkup, Fashion and Faith, Friday's Fab Favorites, Mamanista Friday's and Casual Friday

Busy Mom (lady) On The Go

As I've mentioned before, last week I co-hosted a Girls Day Out event for Star 94 and The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta.  Our theme was "take time for you, tips for a busy mom (lady) on the go".  My gorgeous friend, Jennifer Duvall of JennySue Makeup, shared makeup tips on how to look your best when you are in a hurry (and how to stay looking your best in the heat!!  On the day of our event it was blazing hot and we were set up outside, but Jennifer stayed looking fresh and shares her melt-proof makeup tips here.)  I styled two outfits for the event, one from Isaac Mizrahi New York (seen in this post) and one from Saks Off 5th.  I knew going in to my styling day the day before the event that I wanted to do one of the looks around joggers (not the people, the pants!).  Joggers are a way of feeling like you are wearing your pajamas but looking chic, on trend and totally pulled together!

Jennifer, my manikin wearing her busy lady on the go look I styled from Saks Off 5th and me at the Star 94 Girls Day Out event. (You can get Jennifer's look here and here).

What We're Wearing ~
Manikin:
Silk Tapered Joggers: Saks Off 5th (on sale!!)
Loose Fit Striped Top: Michael Kors (Identical)
Floral Cross Body Bag: French Connection (such a great bag for a great price!!)
Me:
Faux Leather Shorts: eBay (similar)
Thin Knit T-Shirt Sweater: Forever 21 (similar)
Black Cage Sandals: BCBGeneration via T.J.Maxx (I have these in white and they are fabulous and on sale!)
Sunnies: Coach

Part of the event's set up including my busy lady on the go styled manikins.

I'm still kicking myself for not purchasing this outfit at the end of the event!  I may be making a trip back to the outlets soon or ordering it online!

What's your favorite stylish on-the-go outfit?  Check back on Friday when I share three ways to style these joggers ~ for now, for transition and for fall.

XO
Elizabeth

Linking up with Random Wednesday, The Pleated Poppy, Summer Style and Working Girl With Style

Outfit Evolution

The evolution of an outfit can be a process.  Since styling is my creative outlet (my job and my passion) I tend to change my outfit up several times ~ different shoes, accessories, etc... before I finally walk out the door.  Yes, getting ready can take me a very long time.  Even if I plan my outfit ahead of time, nine out of ten times I change my mind (more than once) while getting dressed!  This outfit all started with the jeans.  I'm trying to get wear out of my favorite jeans before it gets too unbearably hot here in Georgia and the dress code becomes "as little as appropriately possible" and the jeans get shoved in the closet until the temps cool.  Next came the tank.  I love stripes and this Old Navy tank is already on heavy repeat this season.  It's great with shorts, joggers, skirts, white jeans, colored jeans as well as good old distressed jeans! Then comes the fun part and where things get creative ~ the accessories!  I wear scarves a lot in the fall and winter but rarely wear them in the summer (again, the heat thing) but I remembered I that have this leopard scarf done in navy and gray rather than the traditional brown, black and tan and knew it would add interest to an otherwise basic outfit (pattern mixing is always a plus).  Next came the shoes and these have been favorites since 2006.  Really, I've had these fun orange wedges since 2006 and I still love them just as much eight years later!  And last but not least, the orange bracelet, that adds a little more "pop" of orange without looking "Paris Hilton".

What I'm Wearing ~
Striped Tank: Old Navy (Such a great wardrobe staple.  Wear it now alone or later layered under a denim jacket or blazer.)
Distressed Skinny Jeans: Blank NYC
Blue and Gray Leopard Print Scarf: Gap (last season ~ almost identical here)
Orange Wedges: Nine West (from 8 years ago!! ~ current version here and I'm loving this cute pair from Guess)
Bag: Michael Kors (last season ~ current version here)
Sunnies: Pucci

When wearing a loose shirt like this tank a "front tuck" or "half tuck" can make you look slimmer by showing off your waist and elongating the leg.

Do you plan your outfits ahead of time, pull something on and go or get creative and change it up (like I do)?

XO
Mz Savvy Style

Just a little FYI ~ I'm heading out of town today to visit my sister and her family.  She has a sweet new baby boy I have yet to meet!  I'm hoping to have time to post on my regular Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule but it may not happen this week.  I will be active on Instagram (like always!!!) so be sure to follow along here!

Linking up with Monday Mingle, Funday Monday, Mix It Monday's, Trend Spin Linkup and Style Sessions

On Memorial Day We Wear White

This coming Monday is Memorial Day which is the day we kick off summer, and summer makes me think of all things white.  Even though fashion rules have changed and it's OK to wear white year round many wait until Memorial Day to pull out their white clothes, shoes and accessories.  I love an all white outfit, from dressed up to casual it's always fresh and chic.  White looks great with neutral accessories, bright pops of color, neons or metallics.  Here's a little Memorial Day style inspiration ~

Cropped Top with Lace: H&M ~ Similar here and here
Deck Shorts: Madewell
Zip Back Metallic Gladiator: Express
Gold Statement Cuff: Nine West (on sale!)
Long Bar Gold Necklace: Shopbop

Tunic Top: Tory Burch
Skinny Jeans: Old Navy
Wedges: Nine West (currently buy one get one half off!!)
Striped Bag: Michael Kors (navy option here)
XL Red Link Necklace: Mango
Red Seahorse Cuff: CustomMade (similar here and here)

Scuba Peplum Top: Target
Skirt: Rebecca Taylor
Espadrilles: C. Wonder
Straw Drawstring Bag with Leather Detail: Michael Kors
Bib Necklace: Tory Burch
Bracelet: Tory Burch

Maxi Dress: Forever 21
Gladiator Sandals: ASOS
Studded Clutch: 2BBEBE (identical)
Charm Bracelet: Yochi Vintage (similar)
Tassle Necklace: Lucky Brand

Cropped Summer Sweater: American Eagle (similar here and short sleeve option here)
Denim Boyfriend Shorts: J.Crew
Red Striped Bag: Old Navy
Anchor Necklace: C. Wonder
Nautical Espadrilles: Jeffery Campbell (super cute option here)
Bracelet: BCBGeneration

So what are you wearing for Memorial Day?  I'll be wearing white!

XO Mz Savvy Style

Linking up with Random Wednesday, The Pleated Poppy, Maminista Friday's and Working Girl With Style

Jumpsuits and Red Suede Shoes

As I mentioned before, two of my favorite trends this season are cage sandals and jumpsuits/rompers.  I can't get enough of either one.  Fortunately there are so many cute, affordable options out there that I can indulge in my newest obsession without guilt (and look on-trend doing it!).

Saturday I went to a bridal shower for one of my daughter's best friends and decided to wear this jumpsuit.  The best thing about jumpsuits is the one-piece dressing!  Pull it on, toss on a few accessories and a pair of shoes and you can head out the door.  My daughter had the same idea and wore a cute little black romper I gave her for her birthday a few weeks ago.  By the end of the summer people will be saying, "there go those Herrin girls in their jumpsuits again".  And I'm OK with that!

What I'm Wearing~
Jumpsuit: Forever 21 (It comes in two gorgeous colors...and I have them both!  Sorry I didn't think to get pictures of the back ~ it has a gathered t-back ~ super cute (and you can still wear a bra!)
Red Cage Sandals: Michael Antonio (these too come in several colors)
Turquoise Necklaces: Old, I'm craving this one by Kendra Scott
Bag: Michael Kors (last year's, this one is the current season)
Sorry my hair looks like who'd a thunk it (that was one of my very southern friend, Mandy's favorite sayings!).  I was running super late for the shower after my Saturday long run and pulled my it-takes-an-hour-to-dry wet hair into a knot and it dried kind of funky!)

What Megan's Wearing~
Romper: Forever 21 (this style is sold out in all black but they have it in black with white polka dots and this gorgeous romper comes in black or hot pink)
Wedges: Jessica Simpson (old, but here's a similar option)
Green Bubble Earrings: Entourage (loving these from Kendra Scott)

(I look like I'm waiting for my bag to move or something! haha! Blogger pose problems!)

What do you think of the romper/jumpsuit trend comeback?  If you are unsure I say, "try it, you'll like it!!"

XO Mz Savvy Style

Linking up with Monday Mingle, Funday Monday, Mix It Monday's, Style Sessions, Trend Spin Linkup and What I Wore Sunday (all links in sidebar)

Leather Shorts

I've carried my love of leather/faux leather from fall and winter into spring and summer by swapping out my beloved joggers and pants for shorts and skirts.  The slightly longer length of these shorts is flattering and easy to dress down or dress up for running errands, lunch with friends or a dinner out on the town.

Another trend I'm loving this season is kimono's.  They are the perfect lightweight layering/completer piece.  Kimono's are great in flirty florals, fun boho prints, lace or solids.  Wear them like you would a cardi or jacket.

What I'm wearing ~
Royal Blue Top: Entourage (old, similar)
Floral Kimono: Forever 21 (sold out, similar)
Faux Leather Shorts: Forever 21 (sold out, identical)
Cage Sandals: BCBGeneration via TJMaxx (sold out, I have these in white and love them! This Tory Burch pair is amazing and a really great price!)
White Tote: Michael Kors (last year, this years' version here)
Nails: L'Oreal "Not a Cloud In Sight"

Want to try faux leather shorts and kimono's for yourself?  Shop the trend here:

XO Mz Savvy Style

Linking up with Trend Spin Linkup, Style Sessions, The Pleated Poppy, Working Girl With Style & Maminista Fridays